If you had a $20,000 budget for a 7 passenger vehicle...

[hoosiergirl7]

In 2007 we bought a 3 yr old Toyota Sienna XLE that had just under 53K miles on it. It was fully loaded - leather, sunroof, built in flip-down DVD player, etc. We paid right around $19K for it. I will never buy another brand of mini-van again. Love Toyotas! Super reliable. I have done routine maintenance and replaced tires.

We took our time shopping around and glad we did. If the dealership didn't budge on the price we walked away and waited until we found the right one. My kids love the car and the DVD player on long trips.

 

[Belle5]

Be sure to take into account the ages/sizes of your children, as well as how much "extra space" you need (groceries, sports equipment, shopping, pets...a lot of minivans and SUVs have tiny trunk spaces). Oh, and whether or not flip/fold seats are something that you can get along with regularly if you go SUV. If you plan to keep it awhile you want to make sure it will "grow" with your family! Taking kids to test drives can be a pain, but before you finalize your purchase it might be a good idea to put everyone in and see what you think.

We have 4 kids and bought a 7 passenger GMC Envoy XL when they were 11, 7, 6 and 4. We loved it at first, but it became a nightmare as they got older....not enough space at all. After acquiring 2 large dogs we decided to upsize with a similar budget last summer. We were trying to find a newer Chevy Suburban without a lot of mileage, but it was pretty impossible under $22,000. We ended up coming across a 2009 Ford e-350 that had less than 3,000 miles on it and a full factory warranty. Not exactly gas-friendly but at least we all fit comfortably. I like the fact it is fairly utilitarian, just like our Honda Element - no carpet, so very easy to keep clean too. I wouldn't necessarily recommend a full size van if it would be your only vehicle, solely because of the gas concerns. Not to mention, the "look" of it isn't for everyone. It's worked well for our needs with a similarly-sized family, so I thought I'd mention it.

I totally understand what you are trying to say! However, I am not at the same stage as you any longer. My oldest is getting married...hasn't lived here in a long time. My second born has been gone away to college and graduated, now heading off to law school. My third son is away at college with no plans to return except for holiday breaks. With our fourth son graduating high school our needs have really changed. We are down to the 13 and 7 year olds needing taxied around with the 18 year old still hopping in the car from time to time with us. I want to have enough room to give rides to friends, etc., but the days of the whole family riding together are over.

We also would LOVE to scale down the size of our home! It's wayyyy too much work/expense to take care of! I am wanting a one story 4 bed/3 bath! We just don't need all this space anymore!

We even went to WDW last month with just the two younger boys (18 year old didn't want to come). Our life has really changed quickly!

 

[Familycircus]

You might want to look at the Ford Taurus X or Ford Freestyle - it's the same car, they just changed the name from one year to the next.

My SIL has one and really like it. They bought a used fully loaded (leather, Microsoft Sync, power everything) and plenty of room for 7 passengers.

I am positive they paid under $22,000 used - and it was very low mileage.

They are no longer in production, but there are quite a few out there on the market still. It has been extremely reliable and very flexible.

I second, taking a look at the Freestyle / Taurus X. We have an '06 Freestyle so we are going on 5 yrs of owning it. BEST vehicle we have had yet.
There was an additional change besides the name between the two, the TX received a slightly larger engine and 6sp automatic transmission.

These are also one of the safest vehicles on the road as they are built on a Volvo frame.

 

[Bell30012]

First, let me say that I am a miser. I spend just as little as possible in everything I do. I was faced with the same situation that you now have, a set amount of money and needing a larger vehicle.

My paid for 1996 GMC Extended Cab Sierra was great for me and my DD8 but then my ex-wife and her new husband went and had a baby. Over the years I found myself thinking the little snot was cute and well, one thing led to another so now I find myself with DD8 and little 2 year old when we go on excursions. I'll think of acronym later. Maybe someone can help me with that.

Basically, stuffing a baby seat in the back of the truck wasn't working. Plus the rear seat belts have this big warning that says: "Not suitable for a child seat"... Go figure.

I looked at vehicles that were one to two years old. I spoke to people that I knew that owned bigger vehicles. I even spoke to my accountant (off the clock) to get his feelings about what to buy. I test drove several vehicles and found that ones I seemed to like didn't pass my mechanics inspection. He gave me some pointers. He said find a vehicle that has an immaculate interior and exterior. Examine the gas/brake pedals for wear, check the door jambs. Be thorough. Ignore the year and don't hold the mileage in such high regard (within reason).

All that said, I found a 2003 Lincoln Navigator for $10,500. With one small exception it passed the mechanics inspection (exception cost around $300 to fix). It serves me well now. Baby seat goes in and out easily. There is still room for cargo, it can pull a trailer and most importantly this thing rides like a dream. What I'm saying is don't automatically think that a two or three year old vehicle is a better deal than a seven or eight year old vehicle. Some people can beat a car to death in two years. The older you go the more vehicle you can get for the money.

 

[HeatherC]

Sienna! We just did two recent road trips from MA to SC with three kids and kept noting how comfortable it was and how much room we had. Packing everything for five people and we still had room left over and nothing on the top of the car.

I have never cared about cars. But I just LOVE my Sienna!

 

[cheshireqt]

I second the sequoia. We bought ousr used as well., fully loade It has been great for travel (yes not most gas efficient, but more comfy for travel and I personally feel safer on the highways in a bigger vehicle - especially when sandwiched between 2 big rigs ). Also great for transporting a passel of boyscouts with all their gear to campouts.
FYI- in case you are thinking of a highlander. My parents have one and love it, but it does not safely or comfortably hold even 6 regular sized people. You have to duck your head/slouch down and sit sideways in the very back.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

I second, taking a look at the Freestyle / Taurus X. We have an '06 Freestyle so we are going on 5 yrs of owning it. BEST vehicle we have had yet.
There was an additional change besides the name between the two, the TX received a slightly larger engine and 6sp automatic transmission.

These are also one of the safest vehicles on the road as they are built on a Volvo frame.

I own a fully loaded '06 Freestyle and LOVE IT!! We bought it almost 2 years ago with 33,000 miles for $20,000 and added the Ford bumper to bumper warranty (available on used Ford's that are "factory certified") for $1200. We bought it because my Volvo Wagon was totaled. We had dumped over $4000 in repairs on that car in the 2 years we owned it- hence the warranty on the Ford that we have never used!!!! I love the Ford way more than the Volvo!

 

[december]

Be sure to take into account the ages/sizes of your children, as well as how much "extra space" you need (groceries, sports equipment, shopping, pets...a lot of minivans and SUVs have tiny trunk spaces). Oh, and whether or not flip/fold seats are something that you can get along with regularly if you go SUV. If you plan to keep it awhile you want to make sure it will "grow" with your family! Taking kids to test drives can be a pain, but before you finalize your purchase it might be a good idea to put everyone in and see what you think.

We have 4 kids and bought a 7 passenger GMC Envoy XL when they were 11, 7, 6 and 4. We loved it at first, but it became a nightmare as they got older....not enough space at all. After acquiring 2 large dogs we decided to upsize with a similar budget last summer. We were trying to find a newer Chevy Suburban without a lot of mileage, but it was pretty impossible under $22,000. We ended up coming across a 2009 Ford e-350 that had less than 3,000 miles on it and a full factory warranty. Not exactly gas-friendly but at least we all fit comfortably. I like the fact it is fairly utilitarian, just like our Honda Element - no carpet, so very easy to keep clean too. I wouldn't necessarily recommend a full size van if it would be your only vehicle, solely because of the gas concerns. Not to mention, the "look" of it isn't for everyone. It's worked well for our needs with a similarly-sized family, so I thought I'd mention it.

I traded in my 05 Explorer, with 3rd row seating. I loved it, but the back seat was better suited for kids under 10, and with it up I had almost no trunk space. I have 3 kids-13, 11, and 21 mos. With the carseat in the middle of the 2nd row, ds13 barely had room to sit on his side. When we picked up extra kids at school (often), we had to take everything out of the back to utilize the 3rd row.

My Odyssey has tons of room in the trunk! And I had 2 13 yr olds that I picked up from baseball practice sitting in the 3rd row yesterday with no complaints.

 

[sweetdana]

I LOVE my Town and Country. The stow and go seats are to die for.

I would rec. a used one of these, I bet off a least (maybe 3 yrs old) you could get one. I have had mine since 2004, (74K miles now) and replaced nothing (excpet nor stuff like wipers, brakes, tires). I will buy another one in about 2 yrs and drive it till 100K miles again.

I DO love my van, the extra space with fold down seats for occational pick up of furniture/ christmas tree ect.

 

[Shleedogg]

2009 Honda Odyssey. We just bought one in Dec. We paid right around $21,000. We love it. We did buy an extended warranty with it though; I didn't feel comfortable buying used w/out it.

 

[sscassel]

We have a Toyota Seinna & LOVE IT. I would look for a used one. It will last forever as long as you take good care of it...Same with Honda.

 

[mjkacmom]

get a used Honda Odyssey. That's what we did and love it after 10 years in our used Grand Voyager.

 

[SoonerSarah]

We bought a brand new Honda odyssey in 2007. We were looking at Honda, Toyota and hyndai because of ther longevity, safety ratings and consumer reports. We looked at used, but our brand new one was cheaper than one with 36,000 miles because the only used ones were fully loaded, and we didn't care about that. We have had no issues and have about 55,000 miles.

 

[gabriellyn]

Another vote for the Toyota Sienna. We absolutely love love love ours! I regularly get about 400 miles to the tank, in town. Closer to 450 miles on a trip. That's about 20 mpg in town and 23/24 mpg on the highway. I don't think many used SUV's can top that. Gasoline prices are rising and it's hard to find something so big with decent gas mileage. I imagine Hondas are similar. Plus, minivans are slightly less expensive because they aren't quite so "cool". Having owned an SUV prior to our minivan purchase I will never ever own another SUV - minivans are easier to drive, easier to own, more comfortable, easier to pack and haul people and stuff. It's easier to get in and out of as well.

Ultimately it is your choice of course. Good luck!

 

[diamondpixienc]

For that price range in order of preference:

1. (2010 or 2009) Chrysler Town & Country
2. (2010 or 2009) Dodge Grand Caravan
3. (2010 pr 2009) Honda Odyssey

Good Luck! Certainly try Carmax if it is in your area.

 

[pArKsFaN]

I totally understand what you are trying to say! However, I am not at the same stage as you any longer. My oldest is getting married...hasn't lived here in a long time. My second born has been gone away to college and graduated, now heading off to law school. My third son is away at college with no plans to return except for holiday breaks. With our fourth son graduating high school our needs have really changed. We are down to the 13 and 7 year olds needing taxied around with the 18 year old still hopping in the car from time to time with us. I want to have enough room to give rides to friends, etc., but the days of the whole family riding together are over.

i'm so sorry - that definitely changes things - shouldn't have assumed they were children that lived at home. I hope you find something great within the budget that works for your family!

 

[J3nn78]

A new Kia Sedona. We love our 2008. We bought it new (a leftover in 2009) for about $18k with tax and tags

 

[williamson_ja]

Love my Honda Pilot. I bought mine when it was 3 yrs old for $16000. It seats 8 pass. Leather, heated seats, sunroof, great sound system, etc. LOVE IT. Never had a single problem with it and I drive it TONS!!
Had a Ford Taurus and HATED it. It was always in the shop. I ended up buying the Honda Pilot because I had taken it into the shop 3 times for the same problem and could never get it completely fixed. That car was nothing but problems.

 

[SweetPeasMom2]

I had a 1997 Explorer that I drove for 12 years. We just recently got me an Expedition. If I had that budget, I would have gone for a newer Explorer in a heartbeat. I just looked and you can get a 2010 around that price range.